In a landmark first for the province, the Office for Alternative Dispute Resolution (OADR) conducted its first-ever Course on Alternative Dispute Resolution under the Katarungang Pambarangay Law in Ilocos Norte, equipping 223 barangay leaders from the City of Batac with vital skills to resolve disputes at the barangay level. The three-day training was held on February 10–12, 2026 at Fort Ilocandia Resort Hotel.
Participants included Punong Barangays, Barangay Secretaries, and members of the Lupong Tagapamayapa, who serve as the community’s frontliners in settling conflicts. The course strengthened their ability to resolve disputes fairly, peacefully, and quickly within their own barangays.
By bringing this specialized training directly to Batac, OADR reaffirmed its commitment to empower local leaders and strengthen the Katarungang Pambarangay system, helping decongest courts and promote harmony in communities.
Leading the sessions were distinguished experts and practitioners in dispute resolution: Atty. Rodolfo Ferdinand N. Quicho, Jr., OADR-Recognized Practitioner; Ms. Josephine Khaleen M. Sasuman, Chief of the Training and Program Development Division; Atty. Lorna A. Tungpalan-Lugod, OIC Chief of the Legal Division; Ms. Criscelle O. Moya-Pobre, Training Specialist IV; Atty. Juan Paulo Flojo; and Atty. John Gabrielle Dominique M. Daguio, both Sangguniang Panlungsod Members of Batac City.
Through this milestone initiative, the OADR and the City Government of Batac, under the leadership of Mayor Mark Christian “Markee” R. Chua, continue to work together to strengthen barangay justice systems, promote peaceful conflict resolution, and build safer, more harmonious communities.
